Decorating Your Kitchen With
Antique Plates
by Lee Dobbins
Antique plates can add whimsy and interest to your décor. Many people hang
them right on the walls for a unique look. You can hang them up on special
holders made just for this or use ribbons to hold them and hang from fancy
hooks. Learning how to arrange your plates so that they look best is key to
making them a successful part of your wall décor.
Lets say you have a beautiful antique platter that will go perfect in your
kitchen. You run out to the store and get a hanging bracket, insert the plate
and hang it on the wall over the server. Instant charm!
Pleased with your accomplishment you stand back. You tip your head to one side
and then the other. Squinting, you take another look at the plate. Something
doesn't look right.
If you have ever found yourself dissatisfied with the appearance of the
decorations on your walls you are not alone. Many people make the same common
mistakes that the eye can read as awkward but the individual does not know how
to fix. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when arranging your plates as
well decor:
Hanging Large Platters:
Large platters or chargers can be the focus of your décor so you must make sure
you hang them in a spot that is appropriate for the size and focus. Where do
larger pieces look the best? Try above the server or dry sink, over a couch,
behind the dining set, over a fireplace or on a feature wall. A feature wall is
where the placement of furniture or the layout of the home naturally guides the
eye to a wall - a great place to feature your antique platters.
Hanging Small Plates:
Grouping smaller plates together in one area can add interest and keep them from
getting "lost". Use a common theme like, color, pattern or style to pull them
together. Hang a single smaller piece low on the wall and as close to the
furniture as possible, otherwise it will seem to be floating.
Grouping Plates:
The key to grouping pieces together is to space them properly. Each item should
be spaced about 3 inches away from the items on either side. Try positioning
them on the floor or a table to get a pleasing arrangement before placing the
nails and measure carefully before making any holes.
Height:
Plates should be hung with the center of the plate at eye level. That means the
center should be about 60 to 66 inches from the floor. If you've visited a
gallery you will see that the frames are not lined up by their top or bottom
edges but that the pictures are all centered at the same height.
If the platter or plates will be viewed from a sitting position - like from the
dining table, you should hang at the eye level of the sitter
If you are hanging it behind the dry sink or server, make sure it is no more
than 10" above the back.
Using these tips you can transform your bare kitchen walls into a designer
showcase with a unique focus on antique plates!
Lee Dobbins write for
http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.com where you can find out more about
decorating your kitchen in their article database at
http://www.a-kitchen-decorating-idea.com/articles4.html